Storybook Land Festival Saturday

Lineup includes jugglers, authors, energetic musician

Lineup includes jugglers, authors, energetic musician

July 20, 2008|From staff reports

Jugglers, a nationally known children's author and an energetic musician will be among the attractions at Saturday's Storybook Land Festival. The third annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Wylie Park. The jugglers are The Amazing Budabi Brothers. The “jugglers extraordinaire” are Erik Jensen, 20, and Nick Langseth, 21, of Houston, Minn. The author and storyteller is Eric Kimmel of Portland, Ore. His latest book is “Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion,” published by Scholastic. The musician will be Thaddeus Rex of Chicago, whose show is called “Read Like a Rock Star!” The Washington Post described his concerts as “part Monty Python, part Dr. Seuss.” The Los Angeles Times said his show is “a sincere celebration of reading.” Thaddeus Rex's show is “for family audiences, but kids must promise their parents will behave!,” according to his Web site. Also appearing will be Roscoe author Andrea Beyers, and Gayle Bortnem portraying Mother Goose. The Berenstain Bears and storybook characters will be on hand, as well as an inflatable jumping castle and slide where children can play. The hands-on activities include moccasins, water yo-yo's, marionettes, yarn painting, spider painting, candle-making, corn bin, newspaper hats, bead bracelets and a bean bag game. Visitors will also be able to swap books. The day will conclude with an ice cream social at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. Pre-Festival events on Friday include Kimmel attending the Fables and Fairy Tales Party at 10:30 a.m. at Storybook Land Castle. On Friday evening, beginning at 6 p.m., South Dakota Public Broadcasting will present “Buddy & Friends at the Storybook Land Castle.” You can have your photo taken with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Buddy at 6 p.m., followed by a Fun Walk in the Park at 6:30 p.m. and a Phil Baker concert at 7 p.m.